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Report: Nationals agree to 1-year, $5-million deal with Casey Janssen

Anthony Gruppuso / USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals reportedly agreed to a one-year, $5-million deal with right-handed reliever Casey Janssen, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports

Janssen's spent his entire eight-year career with the Toronto Blue Jays before hitting free agency at the conclusion of last season. He served as the team's closer for the past three seasons, recording a 2.94 ERA and 81 saves in 168 appearances over that time. 

The 33-year-old was exceptional from 2012-13 but struggled heavily over the the second half of last season. After posting a 1.23 ERA in 23 appearances, Janssen saw his ERA balloon to 6.46 in 27 games following the All-Star break. He attributed his lack of success to rushing back too soon following a bout of food poisoning while on vacation during the break, that caused him to lose eight pounds in a span of 10 hours. 

Drew Storen isn't expected to relinquish his role as the Nationals' closer this season, meaning Janssen likely slides into a set-up role as a cheaper alternative to replace Tyler Clippard, who was traded to the Oakland Athletics earlier this month in exchange for shortstop Yunel Escobar. 

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